10 Questions with Extreme Audio's Mike Astin

10 Questions, Shoot!

Q: What did you dream of being as a kid?

As a kid I was a BMX enthusiast dreaming of one day owning my own bike shop. I used to build my bikes from scratch and had local sponsorships supporting me though my racing days! I loved designing custom bikes and then bringing home the trophy after the race! My dreams soon changed once I was old enough to drive and cars and stereos took all my attention.

Q: How does your personality play into your business?

Personality is everything when it comes to my business. I pay close attention to detail and give everyone the time needed to fully understand their needs and help them achieve what they are looking to do. We like to really get into what we do and have fun doing it. Every job is different and our customers are great. Most customers become our friends and I feel this is due to our commitment and personality!

Q: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

Back in the late 90’s I was selling and installing for other companies. I was working at two shops as an installer and installed theaters on my spare time. I decided to get a van and focus on expeditor installations at the local dealerships. At this time I was working on installing home theaters and doing Mike’s Mobile Installations on the weekends. The roots were planted!

Q: What inspired you?

Inspiration was easy! I was educating myself everyday and became quite busy with the Mobile Installations. At this time in my life I knew what I wanted to accomplish and was motivated. This drive and knowledge that I had made me confident and at that moment I decided to look for a retail space to rent and go for it! April 1st 2000 Extreme Audio opened for business. 

Q: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the town of Barnstable?

The only real challenge in our location is the Willow Street traffic in the summer time. It’s the Cape—what more can I say!

Q: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Barnstable?

Barnstable is just exquisite and is the heart of Cape Cod. Centrally located and all the action is here! There really isn’t a better place to have your business!

Q: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

I would never change the way I treat my employees! My guys give me the most respect and it is because of the high levels of respect I give them! Being an installer for years myself I know what these guys go though constantly educating themselves to stay on top of technology and to become the best they can be. I treat them as I would want to be treated and this would never change. 

Q: What is your business’ greatest asset?

My employees! Garrett, my head installer, is going on 10 years working at Extreme Audio. He goes over and beyond on every install, never cutting a single corner and soldering every connection every time! Our return rate is next to nothing and has 100% to do with how tight he runs the install bay! That is a huge asset to the business.

Q: What is your favorite spot in town?

Wherever the good food is—that is usually where I would consider to be my favorite spot!  There is a lot of good food around so I can’t pinpoint it to one location! 

Q: What’s one thing the community should know about you?

I like to eat good food! Other than eating, I have 4 boys keeping me busy. I am a certified Cal Ripkin coach and I coach my son’s AA team, which currently has 6 wins 2 losses. Not bad!

I am also a certified NRA Firearms instructor, on a precision pistol team ( high 5 shooter 3 years in a row ) , president of the New England Society of Paranormal Investigators ( NESPI ).

I have a lot going on and sure know how to stay busy. If I’m not installing an automated theater, tinting a car, conducting a paranormal investigation, coaching baseball, teaching someone how to shoot, working on a boat, or hanging with my kids, I would not have anything to do!